Ian Wright believes Arsenal are missing the presence of Gabriel Magalhães in defence after their unconvincing display at home to Fulham.
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Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves a goal down after just one minute on Saturday with Andreas Pereira capitalising on a mix-up involving Bukayo Saka.
The England international made amends by converting from the penalty spot after 70 minutes with Eddie Nketiah putting Arsenal in front two minutes later.
But the Gunners were hauled back again late on with Joao Palhinha capitalising on some poor defending to fire home after latching onto Harrison Reed’s corner kick.
Gabriel, a fixture at the back alongside William Saliba last season, has not started a game this term, coming off the bench late on against Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace while remaining among the subs on Saturday against the Cottagers.
Ben White has been preferred at centre-half with Thomas Partey used in a right-back role but Arsenal legend Wright believes his former side are missing ‘our big defender’ – particularly in moments that led to Fulham’s 87th minute equaliser.
‘Arsenal have realised after what happened with Man City, you can’t give away points like that at home,’ Wright told Premier League Productions.
‘They started very slack, the whole game in fact, the way Fulham came back, there was a time when I was watching and I just felt nervous for us.
‘We don’t seem to be as confident in managing the game after we got back into it and went 2-1 up.
‘And I think that is a bit of a worry because there are things that happened.
‘I know the fans are a little bit worried about Gabriel not playing, he gives us solidity in there and when they scored that goal at the death at the corner, it’s something our big defender would be there [for].
‘There is a little bit of gelling still happening with Arsenal but we haven’t lost so you have to stay positive’.
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